Accounting and Finance Lead

Accounting And Finance LeadThe Accounting and Finance Lead plays a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day accounting and financial operations to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant financial processes. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, this position works closely with the Controller to support accounting operations, training, and internal controls.The Accounting and Finance Lead is responsible for overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, budgeting support, staff training, and process improvements. This role ensures the finance team functions smoothly, deadlines are met, and policies and procedures are followed, enabling the Director and Controller to focus on strategic financial leadership and compliance.This is a full-time exempt position that is expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8 am to 5:00 pm. This position reports directly to the Director of Finance. The position is exempt and expected to work from the St Cloud office 5 days a week.Salary: $64,000 - $72,000BenefitsUp to 16 days of accrued Paid Time Off per yearUp to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per yearUp to 16 paid company holidaysMedical and Dental insurance with employee-only premiums covered 100% by CAIROVision Insurance low-cost employee premium401(k) plan with up to 3% employer matchKey ResponsibilitiesAccounting Operations & Financial ManagementManage the full monthly accounting cycle, including transaction clearing, reconciliations, and month-end close supportClear and reconcile all bank accounts, deposits, donations, credit card activity, and funds receivedIdentify and process transactions requiring allocation or splits across programs, grants, or funding sourcesEnsure accurate expense, grant, and contract coding in compliance with GAAP and funder requirementsMaintain balance sheet schedules, including prepaid expenses, deferred revenue, restricted funds, net assets, and gift cardsMaintain all accounting schedulesSupport preparation of monthly financial reports, including budget-to-actual analysesAccounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & InvoicingManage and support Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functionsOversee invoice processing, vendor payments, credit card reviews, and reconciliationsEnsure bills and expenses are reviewed, approved, and properly codedMonitor accounts receivable aging and follow up as neededConduct pre-invoicing reviews to ensure accuracy and allowability of expensesPrepare, send, and reconcile monthly and quarterly invoices for grants and contractsEnsure all invoicing deadlines are metGrant & Contract AccountingTrack grant and contract expenses monthly to ensure compliance with approved budgetsReconcile grant activity monthly and clear internal balances as requiredRecognize deferred revenue and release restricted revenue in accordance with grant termsConduct regular financial check-ins with program managers to review grant activityAdjust cost allocations and remove unapproved transactions when necessary Prepare documentation and financial schedules for grant audits and funder reviewsBudget Development, Amendments & MonitoringSupport program managers and department leads with grant, program, and sponsorship budgetsAssist with budget development for applications and funding proposalsEnsure internal budget tracking aligns with final submitted budgetsMonitor budgets and support variance analysisPrepare and submit budget amendments to funders as requiredCoordinate with finance leadership on annual budget preparationNew Grant & Contract SetupEstablish financial and operational setup for new grants and contracts, including:Creating internal tracking files and documentationDeveloping internal budget worksheetsEntering grants and contracts into the accounting systemCreating customers, projects, or tracking structures as neededCoordinate determination letters and compliance documentation with leadershipEnsure grants are integrated into timekeeping, requisition templates, and internal tracking toolsInternal Controls, Compliance & Audit SupportEstablish, maintain, and monitor strong internal controls, including:Segregation of dutiesRequisition and purchase approval workflowsExpense review and compliance checksEnforce adherence to organizational policies, accounting standards, and funder requirementsSupport audit preparation by providing reconciliations, schedules, and documentationAssist with compliance related to federal funding and audit requirementsIdentify risks, control gaps, and opportunities for improvementProcess Improvement, Training & Leadership SupportIdentify inefficiencies in finance operations and implement process improvementsDevelop, document, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Train and onboard finance staff as neededTrain program managers on budgeting, invoicing, requisitions, and financial expectationsTrack and manage key operational deadlines (month-end close, invoicing, reporting)Serve as the primary finance operations lead in the absence of the Director of FinanceCommunicate operational risks, issues, and improvement opportunities to leadershipTax, Administrative & Operational SupportPrepare and distribute annual tax receiptsManage preparation and issuance of annual information returns (e.g., 1099s)Complete routine bank deposits and required financial forms, including ACH documentationQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.35 years of accounting or finance experience, including lead or supervisory responsibilitiesStrong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and budgetingAdvanced Excel or Google Sheets skillsExperience managing full accounting cycles, reconciliations, and financial schedulesHigh attention to detail with strong organizational and deadline management skillsExperience in a nonprofit or grant-funded environmentQuickBooks experience (highly preferred)Experience supporting audits and funder compliance